Jack Milner: The combination of trainer Paul Matchett and jockey Muzi Yeni have proved deadly in recent weeks, and they can add another winner to their tally at the Vaal on Tuesday when Tyrus Express lines up in Race 6, a MR 96 Handicap over 2000m.
Whether it has been in feature races or just basic handicaps, following Matchett and Yeni has seen punters follow a profitable path.
Yeni has ridden Tyrus Express in nine of his last 10 starts and has a record of one win, four seconds and a third place on the five-year-old gelding. Two of his last three runs have been in feature races over further, with varied outcomes.
Three runs back he ran in the Listed Aquanaut Handicap over 2400m at Turffontein and was beaten a short head by Chitengo. He then tried 400m further in the Grade 3 Caradoc Gold Cup over 2800m but was well beaten in to fifth place by African Adventure.
His last race was over 1800m on the Vaal Classic track in which he ran a 1.50-length second to Dr Doolittle.
This time he takes a drop in class and although he has more weight on his back, Tyrus Express has the form to put this field to bed. It is worth noting that three of his four victories have been over 2000m so the trip could not be more ideal.
His main danger could come from Trend Master, who showed a lot of courage last time when holding off a revitalised Reunion over 1800m at this course. He did hang a little when under pressure in the closing stages and that did result in an objection being lodged by the runner-up, but it was overruled.
Chase Maujean rode him last time and he will be back aboard for this race.